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THE BACKPACKER'S HANDBOOK 3rd (third) Edition by Townsend, Chris published by McGraw-Hill Professional
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First published January 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 21, 2012
I love outdoors and am trying to learn more about backpacking, so this book was of great interest to me. There is a lot of information on various types of equipment (by brand name). These parts of the book were of less interst, but should I start replacing my older, heavier gear, this will be a great resource. I will definitely use the book as a reference guide in the future.
February 5, 2013
Chris Townsend is a wild mountain man. For decades he has spent much of the year in the wilderness, shunning crowds and seeking communion with awesome Nature. He has also written for magazines, reviewing the latest innovations in backpacking gear. Townsend has compiled his abundant knowledge into The Backpacker’s Handbook for four editions now. I should note that I read the 3rd edition of 2005, but I have had a look at the 4th edition of 2011 to see what has changed (not much) before writing this review.
The Backpacker’s Handbook is not a survival guide like so many books on how to manage in the outdoors, though it overlaps to a degree in discussing orientating techniques, snow shelters and poisonous plants. Mainly Townsend gives advice on the gear to take, and how to balance security and lightweight backpacking. He covers shoes, tents, jackets, sleeping bags, camping stoves, altimeter wrist watches, GPS, etc. He does get very specific with gear, naming a few brands and models no longer available for sale (Sigg once made stoves? Who knew.), but the advice is general enough that you can decide what newer products are worth buying.
I actually don’t do much backpacking like Townsend does. Walk alone in the middle of nowhere with no electricity or internet? Boring! But I do like to travel slowly across the landscape by hitchhiking or bicycle, and that involves just as much camping savvy and durable outdoor gear as trekking. Thus I think this book would be useful for a wide audience in spite of its title and the uncompromising lifestyle of its author.
The greatest benefit I drew from this book is that Townsend gives some invaluable tips on how to care for expensive gear. I discovered to my dismay that I had been storing and washing some of my gear inappropriately, which accounts for the decreased performance I’ve noticed. After reading this book, I’ve resolved to treat my next purchases better.
I can see some room for improvement here. For all Townsend’s praise of Merino wool, he doesn’t advise shoppers to avoid the low-quality Merino wool from China and food sheep found in most large brands’ offerings. If you want the good stuff, you really have to look to small New Zealand companies. Also, as a European reader I was disappointed to find that Townsend didn’t cover canvas-and-wax solutions like Fjällraven’s jackets and trousers.
Still, a fine book for anyone moving across the outdoors.
The Backpacker’s Handbook is not a survival guide like so many books on how to manage in the outdoors, though it overlaps to a degree in discussing orientating techniques, snow shelters and poisonous plants. Mainly Townsend gives advice on the gear to take, and how to balance security and lightweight backpacking. He covers shoes, tents, jackets, sleeping bags, camping stoves, altimeter wrist watches, GPS, etc. He does get very specific with gear, naming a few brands and models no longer available for sale (Sigg once made stoves? Who knew.), but the advice is general enough that you can decide what newer products are worth buying.
I actually don’t do much backpacking like Townsend does. Walk alone in the middle of nowhere with no electricity or internet? Boring! But I do like to travel slowly across the landscape by hitchhiking or bicycle, and that involves just as much camping savvy and durable outdoor gear as trekking. Thus I think this book would be useful for a wide audience in spite of its title and the uncompromising lifestyle of its author.
The greatest benefit I drew from this book is that Townsend gives some invaluable tips on how to care for expensive gear. I discovered to my dismay that I had been storing and washing some of my gear inappropriately, which accounts for the decreased performance I’ve noticed. After reading this book, I’ve resolved to treat my next purchases better.
I can see some room for improvement here. For all Townsend’s praise of Merino wool, he doesn’t advise shoppers to avoid the low-quality Merino wool from China and food sheep found in most large brands’ offerings. If you want the good stuff, you really have to look to small New Zealand companies. Also, as a European reader I was disappointed to find that Townsend didn’t cover canvas-and-wax solutions like Fjällraven’s jackets and trousers.
Still, a fine book for anyone moving across the outdoors.
January 23, 2018
This book has everything anyone would want to know regarding backpacking. The author's immense experience in the field is evident given his vast knowledge pool, and the tone made it an enjoyable read.
My only "warning" (if you can call it that) for people interested is that the author works purely from a biased stance, so if you're looking for objectivity then maybe pass this one up. But, if you have no problem with a bit of personal opinion, then look no further!
My only "warning" (if you can call it that) for people interested is that the author works purely from a biased stance, so if you're looking for objectivity then maybe pass this one up. But, if you have no problem with a bit of personal opinion, then look no further!
March 7, 2017
Good informative book. A must read for people who like backpacking and people who are new to backpacking. Contains a extensive section on how to pack light, as well as a section on minimalistic hiking, powerhiking, slackpacking, and things to do and not to do for a new hiker.
June 9, 2020
Extremely thorough and expansive in the knowledge of backpacking gear and techniques. Preparing for a few backpacking adventures of my own and this has been an invaluable resource.
November 4, 2021
Organized so that reader can skip to topic of interest. Has some commercial bias in that author's choice of equipment is presented, not balanced with other choices.
September 3, 2024
Easy and fun to read, great spirit and I love the quotes!
March 8, 2017
Really good no nonsense information geared toward lightweight backpacking, everythings covered tough a bit outdated, it was my bible when 20 years old. The clearest way in the universe is trough a forest wilderness.
December 1, 2008
Chris Townsend is a life-long backpacker who has made a living out of traveling, testing gear, and writing articles and books. This is the kind of person I want giving me advice on the subject - a guy with a lifetime of experience and tons of types of gear tested - not someone new to the hobby/lifestyle.
Townsend covers a wide range of topics in the book, from philosophical viewpoints about hiking and backpacking to the technical nitty-gritty aspects to the gear that makes it easier. I thought this was an excellently balanced book - while he certainly has a classic viewpoint about backpacking, promoting leave no trace ethics and appreciating nature, he still discusses lightweight tactics and how contemporary gear is frequently fantastic. His outlook was very much like mine, I think - appreciate the outdoors, respect nature, take a simple backpack out to the field, and lighten your load as much as you can while remaining comfortable and safe.
I think this is an absolutely ESSENTIAL book for beginning backpackers. It was far more valuable to me than anything I've read in the hours I've spent reading online forums and magazine articles. Comprehensive, well-written, reasonable, and contemporary - what more do you want?
Townsend covers a wide range of topics in the book, from philosophical viewpoints about hiking and backpacking to the technical nitty-gritty aspects to the gear that makes it easier. I thought this was an excellently balanced book - while he certainly has a classic viewpoint about backpacking, promoting leave no trace ethics and appreciating nature, he still discusses lightweight tactics and how contemporary gear is frequently fantastic. His outlook was very much like mine, I think - appreciate the outdoors, respect nature, take a simple backpack out to the field, and lighten your load as much as you can while remaining comfortable and safe.
I think this is an absolutely ESSENTIAL book for beginning backpackers. It was far more valuable to me than anything I've read in the hours I've spent reading online forums and magazine articles. Comprehensive, well-written, reasonable, and contemporary - what more do you want?
September 19, 2008
This book is primarily a compendium of gear. Although it is pretty out of date in terms of specifics, it gives decent discussions of the general types of gear that are available. The advice given is much more in-depth and helpful than any reviews I have found online.
I found the explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of stoves, including their performance in inclement weather and which are safe for use inside tent vestibules, most useful. The discussion of GPS, on the other hand, being over 10 years old, really isn't worth the space on the page.
In between the gear discussion, Townsend does give some good general advice, but I would only recommends this book for people who are specifically looking for advice on the shopping aspect of backpacking.
I found the explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of stoves, including their performance in inclement weather and which are safe for use inside tent vestibules, most useful. The discussion of GPS, on the other hand, being over 10 years old, really isn't worth the space on the page.
In between the gear discussion, Townsend does give some good general advice, but I would only recommends this book for people who are specifically looking for advice on the shopping aspect of backpacking.
June 18, 2010
Very helpful info for one who has never backpacked. Includes all sorts of information about stuff I wouldn't have thought about. Some info I skipped as it didn't pertain to me (like the snow stuff), but mostly I found myself spouting off tid-bits from the author to my hiking buddies. Thumbs up in my book.
September 27, 2012
I read segments of this as I found it useful (read about packs before buying a pack, tents before buying a tent, etc.). The author has broad experience, and I felt like he gave me the foundation needed to start making gear decisions myself. I don't think I've read the whole thing, but all parts I've read have been very helpful.
June 7, 2009
Excellent coverage on gear choices, including the latest developments in ultralight backpacking. The chapters on wilderness survival and adventure travel seem more like an afterthought. Great choice for a gear guide, however.
March 26, 2011
Some of the info is a bit out-of-date of course, but it is very informative. While he makes personal recommendations and shares his own hiking philosophies, Townsend kindly provides others as well so you can make up your own mind.
July 1, 2013
A good reference if you are planning a backpacking, camping trip...or even just wanting to travel lighter. Chapters are updated in this new edition and it will be one I refer back to from time to time.
August 2, 2014
Super thorough guide from a highly competent and active adventurer. Several theories with regard to camping and hiking style are presented, with plenty of specific examples of gear and strategy. Really love this as a reference and as an entertaining read.
Read
January 16, 2008I'm still reading it, but seems very informational. terrains and hiking styles. Of course, backpacking. I'll let ya know more when I do.
March 5, 2008
Yeah backpacking!
And don't just walk out the door with a bag-- pick this up, it will save so much hastle.
And don't just walk out the door with a bag-- pick this up, it will save so much hastle.
December 27, 2008
ok, i admit i only skimmed this one...
July 23, 2016
Great book. Very helpful for a guy like me, who was a beginner. Would be great for veteran backpackers too.
June 20, 2013
FANTASTIC. Positively bewildering amounts of very practical information. LOVED it!
The Shelf: Accepted. (Be sure to get the latest edition, though.)
The Shelf: Accepted. (Be sure to get the latest edition, though.)
October 27, 2013
Author provides a great overview, as well detailed information for backpacking, camping and outdoors enjoyment.
January 3, 2016
The Backpackers Handbook
This is a book cocked full of great information, resources, and my favorite, the checklist. I am adding this book to my essentials to have in print.
This is a book cocked full of great information, resources, and my favorite, the checklist. I am adding this book to my essentials to have in print.
June 22, 2015
Great book. Sorely in need of metric measurements. I found myself glazing over at all the incomprehensible numbers after I became bored of trying to convert them.
April 4, 2016
This book is an excellent resource as I consider a multi-day backpacking trip! It is incredibly readable and gives a ton of information while taking away a bit of the naiveté.
June 13, 2013
Primarily an equipment handbook.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews